Farewell to Arms by General Stéphane Abrial, French Air Force

On Friday, October 12, 2012 in the prestigious setting of the Courtyard of Honor within the École militaire (French Military Academy), Stéphane Abrial, General of the French Air Force, said his farewell to arms.

Carlos Rosillo, CEO of Bell & Ross, was there for the occasion. He met General Abrial when the latter was working as Chief of Staff, in the framework of a collaboration with Bell&Ross to create the BR 03 Type Aviation designed specifically for the Air Force.

During the ceremony, General Abrial reflected on his career and the highlights of his forty years spent in the Air Force.

In the elegant manner that is one of his signature characteristics, General Abrial retired from military life. "Forty years in a uniform leaves a mark," he announced with humor and a hint of emotion. The officer will experience some nostalgia in putting away his white aviator cap for good. "The next time I put on my uniform, it will be for my daughter's wedding!” he joked. Even though I am leaving the institution, I will continue to follow its developments."

Today, the officer has decided to settle down in Paris with his family. "My son has started studying at the Pantheon University, while my daughter is continuing her studies in the United States. As such, I still have a transatlantic connection. I am glad to be back in France after a substantial international career."

For this farewell to arms ceremony, General Abrial invited his military and civilian friends, "all those people with whom I have shared memorable moments, whether happy or difficult."The general now feels fulfilled and grateful towards the Air Force for "all it has enabled me to do and to experience. My military career was an international, operational and politico-military one." It is no simple task to reflect on such eventful and unusual years in just a few minutes. For forty years, the officer lived by the following leitmotif: "Do not be afraid to go off the beaten track!"

When General Abrial looks over his shoulder, he can't help but remember his beginnings as a fighter pilot and his experience in Germany in 1981, when he became a flight commander on the Phantom for the 742 "Zapata" squadron and the 74th "Mölders" fighter wing of the German Luftwaffe. Back in France in 1984, he became deputy commander of the "Cigognes" 1/2 fighter squadron based in Dijon, then commander of the "Côte-d’Or" 2/2 squadron until 1988. These memories are still vivid in the general's mind: "it was an incredible opportunity to experience the beginnings of the Mirage 2000 in Dijon," he recalls with a touch of nostalgia. Bolstered by this experience, General Abrial became the detachment commander of the Mirage 2000 conversion for the first Greek Air Force squadron in Tanagra, Greece. After commanding the 5th fighter squadron in Orange and deploying it during the Gulf War, he flew across the Atlantic in 1991 and joined the Air War College in Montgomery, in the United States. Upon his return, he took up the position of Assistant Executive Officer to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force in Paris, then became Assistant Executive Officer to the Chief of the Joint Staff in 1995. Thereafter, he left for Brussels in order to join the NATO international military staff. In 2000, he returned to Paris in the capacity of Deputy Chief of the Personal Military Staff to the President, and in 2002 became Chief of the Military Executive Office of the Prime Minister. "This experience in the Élysée Palace and at the Hotel de Matignon provided me with an understanding of politico-military relations, which helped me a great deal in the rest of my career," he said during the interview. "In 2005, I had the honor of commanding the Air Defense and Air Operations Command (CDAOA)," he continues. “From my work at the CDAOA, I can precisely remember the two operations carried out as part of the NATO Response Force: one was for American victims of Hurricane Katrina and the other for the benefit of earthquake victims in Pakistan."

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Luxeuil-les-Bains, France - 28 September 2012

Bell & Ross partners the hundred-year celebrations of the SPA 3

With its collections being an inherent part of the history of military watches, Bell & Ross had a duty to pay tribute to this squadron which, since 1912, has never lost its luster and has always known how to adapt to technological and material upgrades.

On Friday, September 28th, the French Air Force celebrated the 100 years of the SPA 3 "Guynemer", the oldest fighter squadron of the 1/2 "Storks" on the Luxeuil air base 116. This anniversary coincided with La journée des Cigognes, a meet of former Stork pilots that takes place every two years. The heads of the Luxeuil base, general Denis Mercier, Air Force Chief of Staff, General Guillaume Gelée, Air Force commander, General Joël Rode, former pilot in the squadron and commander of the military experimental flight centre, General Michel Forget, Colonel Gilles Bertrand, commander of the 116 air base, Lieutenant-Colonel Sébastien Palaprat, commander of the fighter group 1/2 "Storks", and many former fighter pilots had travelled to Luxeuil to attend the celebrations.

A ceremony paid homage to this famous squadron that trained the biggest names of the French air force, including the well-known Guynemer and other aces (Dorme, Heurtaux, Deullin).After the review of the troops and the reading of the day’s events, an air parade took flight. Several air force ambassadors took to the skies, including the Rafale Solo Display, the patrouille de France in its Alpha Jets, and the Air Force’s aerobatic flying team in an Extra 330. A Swiss F18 was also on show, and a squad comprising four Mirage 2000-5 from the 1/2 "Storks" fighter squadron concluded the air parade. On the ground, a comprehensive static exhibition of military jets past and present was organized, showcasing a Blériot, a Vampire, a Spitfire, a Transall, Alpha jets, a Rafale, several Mirage 2000, including one Mirage 2000-5, all proudly displaying the colors of 1/2 "Storks" squadron.

To end the day in style, all guests were invited to a dinner dance in a hangar that was transformed for the occasion. The dance floor was bordered by a Mirage 2000 and the Blériot, two aircraft that are a tribute to the changes undergone by fighter aviation and that make France’s reputation in the airs. The dinner dance ended with a draw, the lucky winner leaving with a Bell & Ross BR 03 Type Aviation watch.

The annual Bell & Ross event was particularly special this year, as the company celebrated 2 significant events. First, CEO Carlos-A. Rosillo received the prestigious order Knight of the French Legion of Honor from the hands of General Baptiste, Director of the ‘Musée de l’Armée,’ in the Grand Salon of the Invalides. Following this unforgettable moment shared with beloved friends and partners of Bell & Ross, the brand presented their two leading novelties: the Vintage WWI Chronographe Monopoussoir, which reinterprets the authenticity of the aviation chronographs of the 1920’s; and the Vintage WW2 Regulateur, a tribute to the timekeeping instruments used by bomber navigators during the 1930’s and 1940’s. Travelling back in time through the key moments in the history of military watch making, Bell & Ross signs a collection with its core firmly rooted in military history. Almost 500 guests were present at the event: influential media figures rubbed elbows with military representatives, professional pilots, politicians, and watch making industry leaders, each with a shared passion for watch making. The warm and inviting atmosphere lasted throughout the night…a moment when, even among all the timepieces, one somehow did not watch the time.

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Hôtel des Invalides, Paris - 18 September 2012

Bell & Ross Event at “Hotel National des Invalides” Part I: The Ceremonial Handing of the Legion of Honor to CEO Carlos Rosillo

On September 18th, the annual Bell & Ross event took place at the exclusive Hotel National des Invalides. At 6 o’clock, CEO Carlos-A. Rosillo, received the highest decoration granted by the French Republic, the prestigious order Knight of the French Legion of Honor, presented by General Baptiste, Director of the ‘Musée de l’Armée, in the Grand Salon of the Invalides. This solemn moment provoked great emotion in all attending. At 7 o’clock, Bell & Ross’ presented their novelties: the Vintage WWI Chronographe Monopoussoir and the Vintage WWII Régulateur.

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Bogota Colombia - 08 September 2012

BELL & ROSS LAUNCH EVENT IN COLOMBIA

On Saturday, September 8, Bell & Ross held its first airshow at the Guaymaral airport in Bogotá. In partnership with the Aeroclub de Colombia and Joyería Bauer, the Maison sponsored the exclusive event, bringing together aeronautic enthusiasts and professionals, including the Colombian Air Force (FAC), the Colombian Army and the National Police. Beechcraft made a presence with its latest flight models and the Colombian armed forces exhibited important aircraft in its arsenal.The Colombian fashion model Bianca Arango, a parachutist and extreme sports enthusiast, wore a BR03-92 Blue Ceramic on her parachute jump, marking the official launch of Bell & Ross in the country. The airshow was the perfect occasion to launch Bell & Ross in Colombia, a brand that speaks to the heart of the aviation enthusiast.

Bell & Ross Materials & Complications

Bell & Ross celebrated the release of the Vintage WW1 Heure Sautante on July 26 in Kuala Lumpur, taking guests back in time to the romantic post-war era of 1950s Shanghai. A fitting tribute to the exclusive Bell & Ross timepieces, the launch was a throwback to a time of luxurious elegance, timeless sophistication and ethereal beauty. The night also featured a photo exhibition by celebrated Malaysian photographer Vincent Paul Yong, who captured a series of pictures featuring the Vintage WW1 Heure Sautante. The nostalgia was further elevated by Shanghai-based jazz songstress Jasmine Chen, who serenaded the crowd with songs from the 1950s, adding to the authenticity of the 1950s Shanghai experience.

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Espagne - Andorre - 12 July 2012

BELL & ROSS SHOWS ITS NACSAFE RACER

The Nacsafe Racer will be exposed in Spain and Andorra this summer:- From the 12th to the 15th of July on the ChopperON magazine stand at the Mula Fest in Madrid- From the 16th to the 23rd of July in the official Harley-Davidson boutique Makinostra in Madrid- From the 24th to the 31st of July in the Harley-Davidson space of Barcelona- From the 1st to the 31st of August in the new boutique of the Mercat de l’Or in AndorreThe Nacsafe Racer is the Bell & Ross’ collaboration with Shaw Harley-Davidson based on the original Harley-Davidson FXSTB motorbike. A BR 01 Carbon, the design of which inspired the Nacsafe, is mounted in a handcrafted central console. The watch mounting positions the timepiece in a perfect place for its original function as a professional tool for the rider.

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07 July 2012

Bell & Ross is a partner of “Les Peintres de l’Air” exhibition

Bell & Ross is a partner of the exhibition of the “Peintres de l’Air et de l’Espace” at the “Musée regional d’Angers-Marcé”. During the summer, you can discover about 50 paintings depicting the story of civil and military aviation aside a selection of Bell & Ross latest creations.

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Juans les Pins - France - 31 May 2012

Bell & Ross participated at the Côte magazine party

COTE Magazine and its partners have organized a gala event at the Hotel Belles Rives in Juan les Pins *****, in the south of France.Bell & Ross and its partner in Cannes, Vogtime boutique, presented the latest novelties of the brand.During the evening, guests could discover the cuisine of Chef Pascal Bardet through a successful cocktail party. The evening, entitled "Tender Is the Night" was extended to the sound of live music and DJ sets in a friendly and festive atmosphere.

VOGTIME122/124 rue d Antibes06400 CANNESTel.04 93 68 28 81

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Las Vegas - 31 May 2012

The Couture Show in Las Vegas

Bell & Ross once again had a successful show at Couture, presenting its retailers throughout The Americas new 2012 timepieces and its iconic watches.

The Couture show has become the most aspired destination for watch & jewelry designers and brands, exhibiting in suites and villas of the Wynn hotel in Las Vegas.

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La Ferté-Alais - France - 26 May 2012

Bell & Ross attended at La Ferté-Alais Airshow

Bell & Ross attended the 40th edition of the Ferté-Alais Airshow through the French Air Force ANORAA’s booth (The National Association of the Air Force reserve officers). More than a hundred aircrafts, mostly collector’s models, flew over the airfield during the 2 days of the meeting for the greatest pleasure of the thousands of visitors.

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Paris, France - 10 March 2012

Bell&Ross Participates to the Carnival for the 15th anniversary of the concept store Colette

To celebrate its 15th anniversary, the Parisian store Colette thought big and organized its very own carnival in the ‘Jardin des Tuileries’. In order celebrate its birthday as it should, their long-term partners has been invited. Under a tent of 4,000 m² fitted for the occasion, more than fifty brands offered different activities and entertainments for adults as well as for children.

Partner of the concept shop Colette for several years, Bell & Ross participated in this event to present the BR 12 O’clock. A constantly evolving animated piece of art that was produced in a limited edition of 12 pieces in the world. The BR 12 O’clock offers a new perception of time with its complex mechanism and constantly evolving graphics. Visitors will also have a chance of exchanging with some of Bell&Ross masters watchmakers and discover some of the models from the brand’s latest collections.

An event with a joyful universe for a memorable adventure!

Information & address :

Carnival Colette,Free entry, from 12 P.M to 6 P.M, In front of the 206 rue de Rivoli 75001 ParisMetro station Tuileries

Bell&Ross and ATS Harley Davidson cohosted a cocktail party in the brand new ATS Harley Davidson Etoile dealership, to exhibit theNascafe Racer, a unique model cobranded with Bell & Ross.The Nascafe Racer was developed by Shaw Harley-Davidson’s master technicians in the same way that Bell&Ross’s master watchmakers develop and assemble their timepieces. The project bike is based on the Harley-Davidson® FXSTB Softail® Nightrain, one of the more radical Softails – long, low and naked and named by Willie G. Davidson himself.

Within a warm and inviting atmosphere, more than 100 guests could admire the marvels of engineering of the latest Harley Davidson bikes as well as Bell & Ross timepieces.

The Nascafe Racer will be exhibited in ATS Harley Davidson Etoile Dealership until February 25th at the following address:

ATS Harley Davidson Etoile2 rue Villaret de Joyeuse 75017 Paris

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Paris, France - 29 January 2012

Artcurial Aeronautics Auction – January 29th, 2012

For the greatest pleasure of the collectors, three Bell & Ross icon models will be auctioned during the Artcurial Aeronautics Auction, on Sunday, January 29th, 2012.

AeronauticsThe Air and Space ConquestLa conquêtes de l’Air et de l’Espace

Bell & Ross presented the Palme d’Or at the 27th International Automobile Festival

January 25th, 2012 - Hôtel national des Invalides, Paris

After 27 years of existence, the International Automobile Festival sets the standard in the world of design and automotive.

The 2012 edition took advantage of the sumptuous surroundings of the Hotel des Invalides, just beside its Dome. This year again, Bell & Ross renewed its support to this event associating design, trends and automobile prestige.

Christophe Moulin, Master of the Ceremony, presided the award ceremony.

As a partner of the inaugural ceremony Festival, Bell & Ross presented its exclusive watch collection and exposed for the first time in France the Nascafe Harley Davidson bike, the outcome of Bell & Ross and Shaw Harley Davidson collaboration and winner of numerous championship of Custom Harley Davidson in the United States…For the upmost pleasure of motorcycle and design enthusiasts.

Member of the jury, Carlos A. Rosillo, CEO of Bell & Ross, and sponsor of the ceremony, rewarded the prestigious Palme d’Or to Sébastien Loeb for his 8 consecutive titles as Word Champion of WRC Rallyes.

14 Grand Prix, including the Palme d’Or were awarded by the jury of the Festival to personalities and companies celebrating their work and talent. Exceptional Concept Cars, some in worldwide exclusivity, were presented. 600 personalities, designers, car constructors, media and members of Jury participated in the official ceremony.